Death of a child

These notes and letters should be short; and written to console parents who suffer the devastating and tragic death of a child. 

The pain felt by the death of a child seems so unbearable that it’s easier to deny it until the moment when reality takes the numbness away.  Since every individual copes with death and grief differently, there should be no speculation or timeframe on the length of the grieving process for persons involved.

Respect their time to heal.  Offer words of comfort only.  If you are not a professional grief counselor, do not offer advice based on your own experiences or personal opinions about the grief process. Be very prayerful about what to say; you may not need to say anything.

Also, letters should not be written immediately after the death.  Give the parents time to memorialize the child.

 

Disclaimer:  These are only letters to comfort, and are not in any way meant to offer advice or counsel as a licensed professional.

________________________________________________________________

Sample letter:

Dear Heart,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the death of your baby. Only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand to some extent what you are suffering. The feeling of emptiness is unexplainable. No, we do not always understand why we go through many tragedies in life. Nevertheless, I pray you will get through this, and that somehow God will work out every detail into something good, although I’m certain it doesn’t appear that way now.  It is in times like this that we find comfort and hope in the Word of God.

I simply want to extend words of comfort and inspiration during this painful chapter in your life.  I’m praying that the Lord will strengthen you; that He will uphold you with the right hand of His righteousness; and that in His timing He will give restoration, fill your emptiness, and take the pain away. It is my prayer that the God of all comfort will send ministering angels to your side. 

I hope you received the floral and card sent to from the Benevolence unit. Take care of yourself. Rest assured that during this loss my prayers are with you continuously. I want you to know that you can call me at anytime, any hour. I am available to lend a listening ear or a soft shoulder. I hope to see you soon.

From my heart,